|
The 2008 Busan International Motor Show (BIMOS) kicks off its 11 day run Friday with the press and business day and opening ceremony.
The public viewing period is May 3-12. Some 153 manufacturers of finished cars, two wheelers, campers and auto parts and materials makers from 10 countries will participate in the show. Displays and events will take place at all facilities of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), including its three main halls and outside venue.
This year will be the biggest yet, attended by 24 brands. Ten of them are Korean, including the five major makers Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Renault Samsung Motors, GM Daewoo and Ssangyong Motor. Also attending are Daewoo Bus, electric car manufacturer CT&T and Hankuk Fiber Glass, which created the first non-step bus to be presented at a domestic motor show.
 |
|
Hyundai's Genesis Coupe, set to hit the domestic market this summer
|
 |
|
Hyundai Motor's Genesis Coupe, which had its world premiere at last month's New York International Auto Show, will be introduced for the first time in Asia. The latest four-seater coupe released in January is based on the platform of Hyundai's first rear-wheel high-end sedan Genesis. Hitting the Korean market this summer, it is expected to rival imported sport coupes. Kia Motors will display a concept car of its crossover utility vehicle code-named ¡°AM¡± which will come out in Korea in September. It will be noteworthy to those interested in small domestic CUVs as its exterior is quite similar to a mass-produced car. Korean carmakers will present 12 Asian premieres in total including Hyundai's eco friendly i30 Blue.
 |
|
The inside of Hyundai's Genesis Coupe to be unveiled at BIMOS
|
|
|
The 14 foreign brands are Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Honda and Bentley. Some 63 models will be exhibited comprising 16 diesel cars, three hybrids, eight convertibles, 13 SUVs, five coupes and two motorcycles. The Korean premieres are midsize sports sedan Jaguar XF, advanced semi-midsize sports sedan Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Audi¡¯s advanced version TTS and Volkswagen Golf's advanced R32.
Under this year's theme ¡°Automobile! It's a culture beyond life,¡± various cultural events will also be held. Organizers say there is more to see this year and they expect a high number of family visitors considering Children's Day and other holidays fall during the show. The most attention-grabbing events are expected to be Sony's Play Station Gran-Turismo Experience, a virtual experience of the finished cars on display; ¡°NoNo Story,¡± a show of musical car safety tips for children; the Miniature Car Exhibition by minicar collector Kim Eun-yeop; and the popular car racing video game Kartrider Grand Final. Other events include model car exhibits, car art painting and a car audio festival.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
